NCERC at SIUE Director John Caupert will share his biofuels expertise during a joint Agriculture Advisory Board meeting hosted by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) next week in Decatur.
“This is an incredible opportunity for the Agriculture Advisory Boards of two sitting congressmen to share ideas and opinions on critically important legislation, including the passage of a comprehensive Farm Bill,” Caupert said. “From the biofuels perspective, we are particularly invested in negotiating continued funding of biofuels research and development initiatives under the Farm Bill’s energy title.”
Caupert is frequently called upon by legislators in Washington D.C. and Springfield to testify on biofuels policy. In April, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), nominated Caupert to participate in a Senate Democratic Caucus briefing on the “Revitalization of Rural America.” He has served on Davis’ agriculture advisory board since its formation in January 2013.
“Congress continues to negotiate vital pieces of agriculture legislation that directly impact those who work and live in the 13th Congressional District and beyond,” Davis said. “My advisory board’s input helps shape my perspective on modern agriculture and allows me to better advocate for these important issues in the House Agriculture Committee and on the House floor.”
The joint board meeting will take place from 8:30-10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the National Sequestration Education Center, 3883 Howard Brown Blvd. on the campus of Richland Community College in Decatur.
The event is timed to coincide with the annual Farm Progress Show, the nation’s largest agriculture showcase. The 2013 show features more than 500 exhibitors and more than 300 acres of field demonstrations.
Photo: U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (D-Ill.) with NCERC at SIUE Director John Caupert.